May God Bless us as we grow in our Catholic Faith! Our Parish family is happy that you have decided to register your child in our Religious Education Classes for the 2017-18 school year. All Catholic parents have the responsibility of educating and raising their children in our Roman Catholic Faith. Parents are the first and best educators of their children. In order to help our parish with this mission we are asking for a donation of $25.00 per registered child ($20 for each child in families with 2 or $75 for families with more than 3 children).

Requirements for children and youth at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Parish for Religious Education:

General Information: When registering your children, as parents, you agree to live under the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and in a Catholic way. We are called by God to live our Catholic faith daily, with the grace of God, and following the Ten commandments (see Exodus 20:2-17), and the Beatitudes (see Mathew 5:1-12).

Mass: It is very important that you come to Mass as a family. This helps us in our faith formation.

Registration: Each family registering their children must be registered also in the parish.

Attendance: We expect that every student will attend ALL of the classes. In the case of an illness or other personal reasons, please contact the Parish Secretary in order to present an excuse. Children cannot miss more than three (3) classes per year.

Students: We expect that you will arrive on time to class, with your book and ready to learn. Please do not bring toys. Cellular phones must be turned off. Please dress appropriately.

Arrival: Parents are responsible to make sure that their children arrive at their respective classrooms. We ask that those children that are registered for Pre-Communion and First Communion would be accompanied by their parents to their classroom and arrive before 4 pm.

Departure: We ask that parents would pick up their children either at their classroom and/or in the church.

Parents: We expect that parents will help their children in the teaching of their faith. It is the responsibility of the parents to help their children with their learning of the prayers. Please inform the catechist or the director if your child has a special need.We expect parents to attend the parent meetings and they will communicate with us about their progress of their children throughout the year. Please let us know if there is a change in your personal information (phone, address, email, etc.)We encourage you to speak with the Priest or the Director of Religious Education if you have any concern, problem, idea, or suggestion with regard to the Religious Ed classes or the faith formation of your children.

Catechism Classes:

First Communion: The course of preparation is of two (2) years. In order to register, your child must be at least 6 years old and turn 7 before January 1st, 2018.Needed documents:· A copy of their Birth Certificate· A copy of their Baptismal Certificate

Dress Code for First Communion: Girls – white dress, modest, must cover the knees and must be closed at the neck (no low cuts). Gloves are not permitted as part of their dress.Boys – generally a white dress shirt with long sleeves and closed neck. A coat and tie are optional. Formal dress pants of blue or black color (although may use a kaki color as an option).

Confirmation: The course of preparation is of one (1) year at our parish. In order to register the students MUST be in the 9th grade or be at least 14 years old by January 1st, 2018.Needed documents:· A copy of their Birth Certificate· A copy of their Baptismal Certificate· A copy of their First Communion Certificate (if they have received it)· Completion of the Sponsor (Godparents) Document – see requirements further down.

Dress Code for Confirmation: Young Girls – dress of any color, modest, must cover the knees and must be closed at the neck (no low cuts). Gloves are not permitted as part of their dress.Young Men– Formal dress shirt of any color, long sleeves and closed at the neck. Coat and tie are optional. Formal pants of any color.

Candles: Candles are used only for baptisms.

Sponsors (Godparents): Baptism and Confirmation parents must have received their Sacraments of Initiation. The Catholic Church does not require godparents for First Communion.

RCIA: The requirements presented above apply in the same way.

COST: $25 per child (families with more than one child may ask for a discount of $5 per child after the first child)​May God Bless you and your family as we grow and live our Catholic Faith!

Yours in Christ,

Father Michael Somers, Priest/Administrator St. Thomas the Apostle ParishJuán and Rocío Cruz, Directors of Religious Education